I've always been told that the difference between the amateur and the pro is that the latter carefully plans his/her photographic compositions (and subjects). That's also the reason why I'm not a pro ;-) Lately, I've been "scouting" some of the locations for my pictures and then returning very early in the morning to catch that magical diffuse light, or just at the right time of day to improve lighting conditions (you know, to avoid those deep dark shadows against washed out skies). Then I have all the time I need to set up the camera (tripod and all), etc...